Can Sabathia finish contract with strong 2017?

One can argue the Yankees should have been prepared for CC Sabathia to break down during his seven-year deal, which was advanced by a two-year extension. Unfortunately, Sabathia's troubles developed much sooner than the club hoped and encapsulated three full seasons as he battled injuries and diminished effectiveness. Sabathia finally discovered how to pitch without a power fastball, which led to a comeback season in 2016. Can he finish off his contract with a strong 2017 season?

How did Sabathia fare in 2016?

Sabathia entered the 2016 season with skeptical optimism based on his last handful of starts in 2015. He had been fitted for a knee brace which provided him the ability to pitch while limiting stress on his surgically-repaired right knee. The brace provided Sabathia confidence in the landing of his delivery, which allowed the left-hander to concentrate on his transformation into a finesse pitcher.

Despite the great results in late-2015, questions remained about Sabathia's ability to translate them into a full season. He answered the call, making 30 starts in the process. Sabathia tossed 179 2/3 innings, generating a 3.91 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 7.6 K/9 and a 3.3 BB/9. He allowed 1.1 HR/9 (a continuing issue, though better than previous seasons), but he induced a weak contact rate of 24 percent, which was among the best in the league.

Sabathia's production vaulted him back into the top part of the rotation after three years of dismal performance. He experienced two extremely fine stretches in 2016 -- one which encompassed May and ended in mid-June (0.71 ERA, 6 GS, 38 IP) and another as he finished the season (2.37 ERA, 8 GS, 49 1/3 IP), showing he once again had the capacity to handle major league hitters.

How will Sabathia fare in 2017?

Sabathia had yet another cleaning out of his restructured right knee this offseason, but at this point those have been commonplace for the 37-year-old. Knowing that Sabathia understands how to work his body through spring training likely affords the Yankees some confidence that the veteran will be ready in time to try to replicate his 2016 effort.

The Yankees will be reliant on Sabathia to be the No. 2 starter behind the club's ace, Masahiro Tanaka. The role comes as much by default -- considering the inconsistency of Michael Pineda and the inexperience of the young pitchers expected to occupy the fourth and fifth starter spots -- as it has to do with his reinvention on the mound.

Aside from Sabathia's health, I believe he has the ability to pitch to the role's expected performance. The pitching transformation process has been completed, and the worry of throwing all out is gone -- courtesy of the knee brace.

Sabathia is no longer a seven-inning pitcher, but the club should have plenty of bullpen options that can compensate for his shorter outings. I envision a healthy Sabathia making 28-30 starts, working 165-180 innings, and generating an ERA in the 3.80 to 4.00 range with a strikeout rate in line with 2016.

It would benefit Sabathia if he was able to reduce his walk rate back to his career average (2.7 BB/9 before 2016), thus countering any increase in hits allowed per inning. Finally, should Sabathia once again generate a high soft-contact rate, it will continue to aid the fact that he no longer has shutdown ability.

Bottom line

Simply stated, the Yankees need Sabathia to stay on the mound and allow the young hurlers to grow into their roles. Sabathia will no longer dominate hitters with overpowering stuff, but he has learned how to manufacture outs with his "new" repertoire. At this point, Sabathia benefits from maintaining the desire to be an ace, but without the requirement of pitching like one.

Sabathia has stated that he wants to pitch beyond the 2017 season. He'll have to take a significant pay cut, and it might not be with the Yankees, but if Sabathia reaches the metrics above, he'll have a very reasonable chance to prolong his career.

Chapman completes bullpen session without issues

Aug 17 | 11:18PM

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Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman successfully completed a bullpen session on Thursday and had no issues with his hamstring, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

The team does not plan on placing him on the disabled list at this time and Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reported that the team hopes he can pitch on Friday. He tweaked his hamstrong while running on the final play of the team's 5-4 win over the Mets on Tuesday.

He is 4-2 with a 3.48 ERA and has 15 saves in 36 games for the Yankees this season.

Sanchez's five RBIs carry Yankees to 7-5 win over Mets

Aug 17 | 10:16PM

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Aug 17, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (24) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run against New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz (32) during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Gary Sanchez had a home run and five RBIs, Luis Severino allowed no earned runs in six and 1/3 innings, and the Yankees completed a four-game, two-stadium sweep of the Mets on Thursday night at Citi Field. >> box score

Dominic Smith, Aaron Hicks recall time together at Compton Academy

Aug 17 | 5:48PM

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The Mets' four-game series with the Yankees marked a series of big-league firsts for rookie 1B Dominic Smith: his first Subway Series, his first home run, and his first game at Citi Field. But he'll also remember the series because it was the first time he played a big league game with his childhood idol, Aaron Hicks.

Will Derek Jeter bring his winning ways to Marlins as owner?

Aug 17 | 12:30PM

In the latest installment of JRSportBrief on SNY.tv, JR thinks Derek Jeter will bring his winning ways to Miami as Marlins owner.

Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria has agreed to sell his team to the group involving former Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, according to multiple reports.

Loria will sell the franchise for $1.2 billion to the group comprised of about 16 investors. Bruce Sherman, who was the former chairman of Private Captial Management, will have the majority control over the franchise with Jeter having the say in baseball and business sides of the organizaiton.

The agreement is expected to be completed soon. Officials are not expected to vote on the purchase at the upcoming owners meeting in Chicago, but it will be a topic to discuss. The closing of the deal is expected to be completed by October.

ESPN's Darren Rovell says NBA legend Michael Jordan is also part of the ownership group. Jordan is the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, which he purchased in 2010 for $275 million. The franchise is now worth $780 million.

The Yankees have an advantage over many teams when it comes to their bullpen, but it's not where you might believe. Yes, the endgame quartet of Tommy Kahnle, David Robertson, Dellin Betances and Aroldis Chapman is not rivaled by many clubs, but assembling a dominant backend of the bullpen is fairly common in today's game.

However, some organizations are also changing their methods of bullpen assembly in the middle innings. Yankees are now dominating in this area, courtesy of right-handers Chad Green and Adam Warren.

Steinbrenner says season will be 'failure' if Yankees miss postseason

Aug 17 | 8:32AM

Even if the year began with some lower expectations, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner is making sure that's not the case anymore.

With the team contending in the middle of a playoff race, Steinbrenner made clear that he expects the team to make the postseason this year.

"If we don't make the playoffs," Steinbrenner said at owners meetings in Chicago, according to MLB.com, "it's a failure. Any year, any year. That's just the mindset for us."

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Two-run double from Gregorius propels Yankees to another win over Mets

Aug 17 | 9:05AM

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New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) hits a two run double against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Citi Field. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

Didi Gregorius came through with a two-run double in the seventh to give the Yankees the lead for good, as they beat the Mets, 5-3, on Wednesday night at Citi Field. >> box score

Making his third start since being traded to the Yankees, Jaime Garcia was charged with three runs on five hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings.

The Yankees fell behind early but quickly tied things up in the second on Garrett Cooper's ground out. In the fourth Aaron Judge hit a home run into the third deck in left field for his AL-leading 37th roundtripper.

Yankees place RHP Luis Cessa on 10-day DL, recall LHP Caleb Smith

Aug 15 | 3:39PM

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( Adam Hunger)

The Yankees have placed RHP Luis Cessa on the 10-day DL with a ribcage injury, and recalled LHP Caleb Smith from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Cessa started in place of RHP Masahiro Tanaka, who is on the 10-day DL himself with right shoulder inflammation. In the fifth inning, he felt discomfort in his upper back, and manager Joe Girardi knew he had to end his night.

"When I was facing [Rene] Rivera in the fifth, I felt a little bit of discomfort, but I thought I could keep pitching," Cessa told The Post's Fred Kerber. "Then Girardi came out and said, 'Let me take you out. I don't want you to do something wrong mechanically and get hurt even more.' That's when I was taken out of the game."

Smith has appeared in three games -- two of them starts -- with the Yankees this season. His last start came on July 29 where he earned a no-decision against the Rays. He allowed two runs on three hits while striking out four and walking three in 3 1/3 innings.

Giancarlo Stanton clears waivers, eligible to be traded

Aug 15 | 10:35AM

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Aug 14, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports (Jasen Vinlove)

Passan notes that four teams have already reached out the Marlins about trading for Stanton, with one of those teams exchanging player names with the Marlins before a potential trade prior to the July 31 non-waiver deadline fizzled.

One of the teams that has received information on what it would take to trade for Stanton is the Giants, with a team source telling Passan the Marlins were willing to absorb "limited money via other major leaguers' contracts" as part of a potential deal.

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New York Sports Today: Yankees win battle of the bullpens, take first game of Subway Series

By Robert Coles | Aug 15 | 10:08AM

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Aaron Judge connected on his 36th home run of the season in the Yankees' 4-2 win over the Mets on Monday night. (Rich Schultz)

The Yankees defeated the Mets in the first game of the Subway Series.

Elsewhere, the schedule for the upcoming NBA season was released, and Matt Forte is nearing a return for the Jets.

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Cessa to undergo MRI on back after leaving game in fifth inning

Aug 14 | 10:25PM

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New York Yankees RHP Luis Cessa (Adam Hunger/USA Today Sports Images)

New York Yankees RHP Luis Cessa will undergo an MRI after leaving Monday's game in the fifth inning with a back injury, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch.

Cessa injured his right rhomboid and left the game accompanied by a trainer with one out in the fifth inning.

Cessa visibly grimaced after Juan Lagares fouled off Cessa's 64th pitch of the night, which resulted in manager Joe Girardi visiting the mound with a trainer. Two pitches later, after Lagares singled, and Girardi removed Cessa from the game.

Hicks, Sanchez hit late home runs to power Yankees to win over Mets

Aug 14 | 10:14PM

SNY's Sweeny Murti reports from Yankee Stadium where the Yankees defeated the Mets 4-2 in the first game of their four-game Subway Series.

Aaron Hicks, Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez each hit solo home runs to power the New York Yankees to a 4-2 win over the Mets on Monday at Yankee Stadium. >> Box score

With the game tied at 2 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Hicks crushed Hansel Robles' 1-1 fastball to deep right field to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead. Sanchez added an insurance run later in the inning with a solo home run off Erik Goeddel.

The Yankees trailed 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning when Judge slugged his American League-leading 36th home run of the season, his second in the month of August, to tie the game.

Holliday, Bird both take BP

Aug 14 | 5:10PM

New York Yankees designated hitter Matt Holliday hits a double against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. (Gregory Fisher/USA TODAY Sports)

New York Yankees designated hitter Matt Holliday and first baseman Greg Bird both took batting practice on the field prior to Monday's game against the Mets.

Holliday, who last played Aug. 4 due to a lower back strain, is hitting .229/.319/.430 with 16 home runs and 51 RBIs this season. He told NJ.com's Brendan Kuty he wasn't sure how much longer he would need to be on the disabled list.

Like it or not, Aroldis Chapman is the Yankees' closer for long haul

New York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) in the dugout after blowing a save in the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. (Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV:

"Remove Aroldis Chapman as the Yankees' closer" is the latest cry from the team's fans and even some in the media after the flame thrower allowed a game-tying homer in the ninth inning and then put the go-ahead run on base in the 10th inning of Sunday night's loss to the Red Sox.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi can be overly stringent in his bullpen usage, consistently turning to the same formula day in and day out. The writing on the wall should tell the skipper that a change could do the Yankees some good, especially when Girardi can turn to an established closer now on the roster. If administered a truth serum, Girardi might very well feel the same way as those clamoring for a change.

By Robert Coles | Aug 14 | 9:46AM

Aroldis Chapman blew a 2-1 ninth inning lead to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday night. It was the Yankees' 20th blown save of the season. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

The Yankees suffered their league-leading 20th blown save of the season losing to the Red Sox, 3-2, in 10 innings on Sunday night.

Elsewhere, the Jets won their first preseason game and the Mets completed a series win against the Phillies.

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Judge remaining positive despite more struggles at the plate

Aug 14 | 9:44AM

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New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) in action against the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge went 1-for-4 with three strikeouts during Sunday night's loss to the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium.

During the three-game series against Boston, Judge struck out six times in 10 at-bats.

"In my first at-bat, I got a walk off Sale. The next two at-bats he struck me out, but he throws two [different] sliders on the corner, he paints a fastball in, he throws a fastball up," Judge told reporters after the game. "You're battling and it's grinding, but I feel good at the plate."

Chapman blows save, struggles in 10th as Yankees fall to Red Sox

Aug 13 | 11:51PM

Tommy Kahnle allowed a go-ahead RBI single to Andrew Benintendi in the top of the 10th inning after Aroldis Chapman blew a one-run lead in the ninth inning as the New York Yankees lost their second straight game to the Boston Red Sox, 3-2, Sunday at Yankee Stadium. >> Box score

After the Yankees took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the eighth inning on Todd Frazier's sac fly, Chapman surrendered a game-tying solo home run to Red Sox 20-year-old rookie Rafael Devers in the top of the ninth.

In the top of the 10th, Chapman hit Jackie Bradley Jr. and walked Eduardo Nunez with one out before he was pulled in favor of Kahnle, who walked Mookie Betts and gave up Benintendi's RBI single.

Girardi names Cessa Monday's starter after promoting Smith

Aug 13 | 9:00PM

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New York Yankees relief pitcher Luis Cessa pitches in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field. (Patrick Gorski/USA TODAY Sports)

New York Yankees RHP Luis Cessa will start Monday's game against the New York Mets after the team promoted LHP Caleb Smith when RHP Masahiro Tanaka went on the disabled list, manager Joe Girardi told Newsday's Anthony Rieber.

Cessa, who last appeared in a game on July 30 and started July 18, has a 4.83 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings across nine appearances (four starts) for the Yankees this season.

The Yankees promoted Smith from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and optioned RHP Giovanny Gallegos prior to Sunday's game against the Boston Red Sox. Smith is 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA in three appearances (two starts) for the Yankees this season. In the minors, he is 9-1 with a 2.41 ERA in 19 games (17 starts).

Tanaka, who was initially scheduled to start Monday, went on the DL due to shoulder inflammation.

Benintendi's two homers carry Red Sox to 10-5 win over Yankees

Aug 12 | 7:13PM

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Yankees fall to Red Sox, 10-500:01:41

Sweeny Murti breaks down the action from the Yanks' 10-5 loss to the Red Sox and gives an injury report on CC Sabathia and Masahiro Tanaka.

Gary Sanchez's two-run homer in the first inning gave the Yankees an early 2-0 lead, but Andrew Benintendi hit two home runs off Luis Severino to help power the Red Sox to a 10-5 win on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. >> Box score

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Yankees LHP Jordan Montgomery 'OK' after being struck in head by ball

Aug 12 | 3:23PM

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(Frank Franklin II/AP)

Yankees starting pitcher LHP Jordan Montgomery is 'Ok' after being struck in the head by a ball during batting practice Saturday, per Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

Montgomery was signing autographs when he was struck with a line drive from Red Sox C Sandy Leon on the right side of his head. He was helped into the dugout by the Yankees' bullpen catcher as he held a towel on his head. He was then escorted into the clubhouse.

The 24-year-old was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as LHP CC Sabathia went on the 10-day DL with a right knee injury. He is set to start against the Red Sox on Sunday.

Montgomery is 7-6 with a 4.05 ERA in 21 games this season for the Yankees.

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Game 115: Yankees vs. Red Sox, 4:05 p.m.

Aug 12 | 3:00PM

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New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Severino throws the ball against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Safeco Field. (Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY Sports)

The New York Yankees (61-53) play the second game of a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox (65-50) on Saturday at 4:05 p.m. at Yankee Stadium.

Aug 12 | 12:28PM

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(Brad Penner)

The Yankees have announced they placed RHP Masahiro Tanaka on the 10-day DL with right shoulder inflammation.

There had been no talk about Tanaka feeling any pain in his shoulder prior to the team's announcement. YES Network's Meredith Marakovits said Tanaka felt "general soreness" and fatigue in his arm toward the end of his last outing against the Blue Jays.

He was inconsistent in his last start where he allowed three runs, two earned on just two hits. He threw 88 pitches in that span while walking five batters.

Yankees place Sabathia on DL, recall Montgomery, option Austin

Aug 11 | 3:05PM

The New York Yankees placed LHP CC Sabathia on the 10-day disabled list retroactive to Aug. 9 due to right knee inflammation and recalled LHP Jordan Montgomery from the minors to take his spot in the rotation.

New York also activated first baseman Tyler Austin from the disabled list and optioned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Sabathia left Tuesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays after the third inning when he said he injured his knee and couldn't continue to pitch. An MRI revealed earlier this week that Sabathia did not suffer any new damage to his right knee, on which he had surgery last October.

Montgomery, a 24-year-old rookie who was optioned to the minors to make room for Sonny Gray and Jaime Garcia, will start Sunday night against the Red Sox in place of Sabathia, who is 9-5 with a 4.05 ERA in 19 starts this year.

Our weekly minor league report canvases the Yankees farm system, providing updates about the status of the teams in action and the organization's top prospects.

Notes: Top-30 prospect rankings (via MLBPipeline.com) are club based with overall MLB ranks, if applicable, in parenthesis. Prospects currently in the major leagues will not be covered here. Team records and statistics are through games played Aug. 3, 2017, unless otherwise noted.

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New York Sports Today: Yankees shut out by Blue Jays

Aug 11 | 9:39AM

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Garrett Cooper reacts after a striking out in the ninth inning of Thursday's 4-0 loss. (Fred Thornhill/AP)

The Yankees went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position Thursday, as their offense didn't plate a single run in a 4-0 loss to the Blue Jays.

Elsewhere, the Mets dominate the Phillies with four homers, the Knicks and the Rockets are resuming trade talks involving Carmelo Anthony and Matt Harvey will begin a rehab assignment in Brooklyn

Sonny Gray limited the Blue Jays to two earned runs in six innings, but the Yankees provided no run support in a 4-0 shutout loss on Thursday at the Rogers Centre

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Girardi says Sabathia's next start in doubt

Aug 10 | 8:07PM

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(Dan Hamilton)

CC Sabathia is "probably doubtful" for his next start, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said on WFAN on Thursday.

"We want to sit down and see him tomorrow face to face before we really make any decisions (about his next start)," Girardi said while adding that Jordan Montgomery would likely start in his place if he is unable to pitch.

Aug 10 | 11:50AM

New York Yankees left fielder Clint Frazier (77) safe at third on a throwing error during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. (Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports)

The Yankees have placed Clint Frazier on the 10-day disabled list with a left oblique strain and have reactivated Aaron Hicks, the team announced.

Frazier was penciled into the lineup Wednesday against the Blue Jays but was a late scratch because of the injury. He said he'd been experiencing pain over the past few days, but it came to a head during batting practice.

New York Sports Today: Bats come alive in Yankees' bounceback win

By Robert Coles | Aug 10 | 9:53AM

Todd Frazier and Gary Sanchez connected on back-to-back homers in the second inning of an 11-5 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. (Mark Blinch)

The Yankees collected 17 hits on their way to an 11-5 win over the Blue Jays in Toronto.

Elsewhere, the Mets traded away Jay Bruce, Carmelo Anthony will not waive his no-trade clause for New Orleans and the Nets will play two games in Mexico City next season.

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Bats power Yankees to win over Blue Jays

Aug 9 | 10:56PM

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New York Yankees third baseman Todd Frazier (29) hits an RBI double in the fifth inning during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. (Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports)

The Yankees rebounded after Tuesday's loss and slugged their way to an 11-5 win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday night in Toronto. >> Box score

Masahiro Tanaka didn't have his best stuff, allowing three runs -- two earned -- on two hits and five walks in just four innings pitched. Chad Green picked up the win but gave up two runs in 1 1/3 innings.

But the Yankees got the offense clicking in the second inning when Gary Sanchez and Todd Frazier blasted back-to-back homers. Didi Gregorius added a solo homer a frame later, while Frazier added a two-run double in the fifth. Jacoby Ellsbury would follow with an RBI double of his own.